The short answer
Surgery to remove the tumor or the kidney is the main treatment for many kidney cancers. For advanced disease, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are important treatments. Some small tumors may be watched closely.
Surgery to remove the tumor or the whole kidney is the main treatment.
People can live a normal life with one healthy kidney.
Some small tumors may be watched closely (active surveillance).
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy treat advanced kidney cancer.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Surgery is the main treatment for many kidney cancers. Depending on the size and location, surgeons may remove just the tumor or the whole kidney. For advanced disease, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the key treatments.
Surgery
Options include removing just the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy). Most people do well with one healthy kidney. Some small tumors, especially in older adults, may be watched closely instead.
Most people live a normal life with one healthy kidney.
Advanced disease
Advanced kidney cancer is often treated with targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which have become important and effective options. Standard chemotherapy usually does not work well for kidney cancer.
A plan built for you
Your team chooses treatment based on the size, location, and stage of the cancer and your health. Ask about the goals of each option, side effects, and whether a clinical trial is an option.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the main treatment?
Surgery is the main treatment for many kidney cancers — removing either just the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy). Most people do well with one healthy kidney.
▸Can small tumors be watched?
Yes. Some small kidney tumors, especially in older adults, may be watched closely with active surveillance and treated only if they grow.
▸How is advanced kidney cancer treated?
Advanced kidney cancer is often treated with targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which have become important and effective options.
▸Does chemotherapy work for kidney cancer?
Standard chemotherapy usually does not work well for kidney cancer, which is why targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the main drug treatments.
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